River North's name is aptly derived from the fact that it is located just north of the Chicago River. Despite it's uncreative title, River North is home to some of Chicago's premier art galleries, design studios, and bustling night life. Originally home to old industrial warehouses forming a hub around Chicago's Merchandise Mart, artists and designers began flooding the area for cheap, rentable loft spaces perfect for their artistic endeavors. We love River North because we can find inspiration at every corner, not to mention terrific food.
Experience the food, culture, and gypsy spirit of Bohemia in this River North enclave.
Sure it’s not the hippest River North spot, but you’d be a fool not to grab a whiskey at one of Chicago’s oldest drinking establishments. The building itself dates from 1872, a year after the Great Chicago Fire fizzled cold (not the sports team kids). Its status as a beloved neighborhood watering hole dates from 1921. A speakeasy during prohibition, grabbing a cocktail today is a little less subversive of an activity – although a trip downstairs to The Drifter keeps the spirit of that tumultuous era alive and well (see our post on The Drifter). Timelessness beats trendiness any day of the week.
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